Pro Advice ... and some for Timothy too

[Ian B]

Corbin is wrapping up a photo shoot in a studio. He is wearing a black You Can't Break The Broken tee and red camo pants with black boots. The Intercontinental belt is resting on his shoulder. Corbin examines himself in a mirror in front of him as the camera man is making suggestions on how to pose with his belt. After a moment he notices he is being recorded and turns to scowl at the camera. Corbin takes a few steps to the side so the mirror is out of shot. The photographer leaves as the camera crew gets closer.

Baron: You guys really shouldn't sneak up a guy with my MO! What have I got this week

Voice from off camera: Baron Corbin versus Timothy Thatcher

Baron: Who?

Voice: The guy your boy Jimmy faced last week?

Baron: I didn't get to see it, I was preparing for Seth... Did Jimmy win?

Somebody off camera appears to confirm that Jimmy Havoc won. I small smile crosses Baron's face but it fades as quickly as it appeared.

Baron: Was there ever any doubt? Well, I guess that makes one thing easier.

Corbin pulls his phone from his pants pocket. He activates voice command and tells it to "Call Havoc". The dialing tone goes for a while then cuts off. Baron tries another twice.

Baron: Must be busy. Who has Jimmy got this week?

Voice: Week off

Baron: Might be in England then. Not to worry. Wasn't that vital, I'm sure I'll kick this guy ass regardless.

Corbin begins to pace and look uncomfortable. He tries another few time to connect the call to no avail. He then tries to "Call Seth Rollins" but that goes straight to the engaged tone. Corbin runs his spare hand through his hair and begins to pace again. Corbin pulls out his ligher next and flicks it a few times almost taking comfort in the small flame. Baron this time manually enters a number into his phone. Eventually the call is answered. It is Jimmy Havoc's voice on the other side

Havoc: Yes?

Baron: Jimmy! I'm just calling for advise on Thatcher. You beat him at Destiny, maybe you could give me some pointers?

Havoc: Maybe not Mr IC fucking champ. I'm sure you can work it out for yourself.

A click is heard as Havoc ends the call. Baron looks hurt by this for a second then shrugs. He stand with his phone awkwardly in his hand

Baron: Clearly he's busy. Best to leave Jimmy to himself when he's like that I find. You know, you're lucky you've caught me in the right mood. Can't be too pissed off when I've got this though

Baron turns his head to indicate the title belt over his shoulder

Baron: Could have gone either way at Destiny. Seth is one of the best in the business but on that night I was better. I'm not worried. Seth and I agreed beforehand that regardless of who walked away with the win we would still be tight. You can't break the broken. That's obvious though! So... Thomas... Thatcher

Corbin prods at his phone a few times. He tilts his head for a second

Baron: This is a lawyer guy?

Voice: Erm.. you mean Timothy Thatcher?

Baron: Oh, Timothy? Dumb name!

Baron studies his phone for a second.

Baron: Blah, blah indy scene past. We all know how much respect I've shown those guys in my former life, I can't see a problem here.. So who has Seth got this week?

Voice: Owens. Have you... have you not spoken to Seth or Jimmy this week?

Baron: I've been too busy, everyone seems to be calling since I got the belt. I haven't stopped, I think the plan is to catch up after this week's show. Wait! Why am I telling you this?

Baron reaches his hands up and together covering his face. He rubs a couple of times & when his hand comes down Corbin seems to have his game face on.

Baron: Timothy Thatcher, compared to yours truly you are Tiny Tim. You seem to have drawn the short straws lately, last week you fall to Jimmy and this week I get to pick away at the scraps that have been left...

Baron is interrupted by his phone playing out The Broken by LIT. He picks up the call on speaker. The voice on the other side is that of his psychiatrist Dr Munro

Dr Munro: Baron, did you forget we had an appointment? I can meet you somewhere as long as it's in the next 15 mins. Where you at?

Baron: I'm at the studio down the road from my hotel. So, okay, I think another session sounds wise. Meet in car park in the next few minutes. Sound okay?

Dr Munro: I will be there

Baron: Can we pick this up shortly guys? I need to get some stuff off my chest in private.

Voice: No problem, we'll come with and wait around

Baron: As long as I get a bit of space you guys can do whatever the hell you want

The scene fades to black as the camera is lowered however we still get audio. At first footsteps then Baron Corbin humming to himself then a car pulling up. A slam of a car door then the voices of Baron and the doctor

Munro: I've gone over your notes from last week and I have to say, the more I studied them the less the dots seem to connect. First question - how has the past week been?

Baron: It's been good. I beat Seth for the title, hopefully it won't cause any tension between us

Munro: Well congratulations. Why would it cause tension. I thought in your profession these things were... never mind, I want to focus on the first part of your statement. You're a tall man who seems capable of taking care of yourself. Why concern yourself with the approval of others?

Baron: I don't! I don't care what people think of me, not really?

Munro: Are you telling me, or looking for further approval

Baron: Shit! That's not what I'm trying to do at. I am my own person, sure it's good to have Jimmy and Seth around but I don't think I've changed that dramatically, I'm just a bit more refined,more myself

Munro: How have your... desires been?

Baron: What?! I do okay for myself, if you're implying what I...

Munro: I mean your fire fixation

Baron: Oh! Got my wires crossed there! No major fires to report this week.

Munro: So I suppose you've been leaving your lighter at home

Baron: Not exactly. I have it on me now. I carry it everywhere

Munro: Like a comfort blanket?

Baron: Nothing like a comfort blanket

Munro: If you say so. I would argue that is a classic case of denial but that's just my professional opinion. I'm going to ask this another way - why do you feel such a connection with Seth and Jimmy? How do you feel they bring out the real you?

Baron: I see they way my broken brothers hold themselves and it really resonates with me. Jimmy and Seth are... fucking cool

Munro: Cool? I'm going to say something. It's not really the most ethical statement but you don't strike me as the politically correct type.

Baron: Politically incorrect and damn proud of it

Munro: Sorry?

Baron: Nothing. Go on, what do you have to say?

Munro: Promise me this goes no further

Baron:Fine

Munro: Those two are bad for you and from what I've seen... They don't exactly treat you with respect

Baron's voice becomes more aggressive and a lot clearer

Baron: Well, doctor. I respect your professional opinion but I respectfully disagree. Where was I before the Broken? Nowhere! Now I have the belt and people who actually have my back

Munro: I'm trying to help Baron, there's no need for this discussion to get heated.

Baron: Well, I will think over what you've said but truthfully? I think I know where my loyalties lie. Same for Jimmy and Seth. I'm too wound up to continue this chat. Can we arrange for next week?

Munro: Right. I have tried to give you my professional advise - if you chose not to take it that is your decision. I'll text you an appointment. Take care Baron. Seriously. And no fires!

The sound of a car door opening and closing is followed by footsteps getting closer

Baron: Okay guys, I'm back and I got some stuff to say. Point that camera at me again, yeah?

The camera pans slowly up Baron. He is now wearing the Intercontinental title around his waist

Baron: Timothy Thatcher. You're a fool! I don't know much about you but I do know this - to have signed up to face two members of The Broken in a row you must be almost as crazy as us. You could probably be great but instead you chose to go against us? The Broken have seen off our fair share of wasted potential. Nothing I have read about you causes any concern though, I'm a monster, I am capable of breaking any man and I don't need fancy holds and locks to break bones and cause internal damage. I am not taking you for granted friend, I am going to do some research, watch some tapes. Starting with Destiny of course! I tried being a prototype wrestler, I tried. I drove Robbie Brookside bat shit crazy as he tried to show me how to counter and apply pressure holds, know what I learned? Raw power wins nine times out of ten. Know what else I learned? The Acid Rainmaker makes a mess of old timers! Tell me Timmy, how are you going to lock in a hold when I tear off your arms and beat you with them? How can you hope to thrive when you're faced with End of Days? Tiny Tim, you dumb bastard, walk away while you can. Doing so means you will survive long enough to wonder what if. If not? I can't guarantee you will survive at all. I'm in a happy place right now so I am looking to make you my plaything. I have tried to give you my professional advise - if you chose not to take it that is your decision. Think on what I've said Timmy - you can't break The Broken.

Corbin nods his head and stares down the camera until the scene fades